Foldable chair

ABSTRACT

The folding chair is easy to handle from an open to a closed position, and vice versa. The chair consists of a seat (11) with two linked leg sections (13,14). A backrest (12) with a U-shaped frame is joined to the seat. - The chair has wheels (31) operative only, when the chair is erected. The wheels are positioned on the seat near the connecting link between the seat and backrest, and are rotatably mounted on a transverse axis (32) fixed to the seat. The frame transverse rear bar may be J-shaped for ground support, when the wheels are lifted. PS(1/6)

' Feb. 17; 1970 I 1 FOLDABLE CHAIR I I 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 29,1968 Feb. 17, 1970 H. J. w. VANDIERMIIND'ENYJIII 3,

' FOLDABLE CHAIR Filed Jan. 29, 1968 g Sheets-Sheet 2 United StatesPatent 3,495,868 FOLDABLE CHAIR Henry J. W. Venderminden III, Granville,N.Y., assignor to The Telescope Folding Furniture Co., Inc., Granville,N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed Jan. 29, 1968, Ser. No. 701,440Int. Cl. A47c 1/024, 4/28 US. Cl. 29727 Claims ABSTRACT OF THEDISCLOSURE The back portion of the backrest chair is pivoted into anumber of rest positions, one of which is a lay-fiat position. Thecurved end of the back portion is in the form of 'a rams horn so as tosupport the back portion when pivoted into the lay-flat position. Thechair is foldable into a flattened configuration to be transported bymeans of the wheels or hung on a fence by means of the curved end of theback portion.

This invention relates to a foldable chair. More particularly, thisinvention relates to a foldable multi-purpose chair of the back-resttype.

Heretofore, lounge chairs of the back-rest type such as used atpoolside, on lawns or decks, have generally been constructed with a seatportion and a foldable back portion. The seat portion is usuallysituated at a limited height above the ground so as to permit anoccupants legs to be extended substantially horizontally in a restposition. In addition, the back portion has usually been formed by asubstantially inverted U-shaped metal or wood frame to which a suitableback support such as canvas or plastic stripping has been secured, so asto define a flat profile. However, because of the flat profile, theupper cross bar of the frame has frequently come in contact with somepart of the occupants back or head, usually to the dis comfort of theoccupant.

In order to overcome the disadvantage of the encumbrance of the uppercross bar of the U-shaped frame, in some instances, the U-shaped framehas been made oversize to avoid discomfort to the occupant; however,such has required an increase in material and frequently has added tothe cost of the chair.

Further, these back-rest type chairs while being capable of achievingmulti-rest positions have frequently been constructed such that the backportions have not been capable of being pivoted away from the seatportions into substantially horizontal alignment with the seat portion.This has prevented an occupant from assuming a fully reclined position.

Also, several of these lounge chairs have been constructed with wheelsto facilitate movement of the chairs from place to place in either of afolded or unfolded condition. However, these lounge chairs have beenconstructed such that the wheels are always in contact with the groundwhether the chairs are folded or unfolded. That is, when the chairs arein an unfolded condition, the Wheels act as supports for supporting thechair and any occupant in the chair. Consequently, should an occupanttip such a chair so that the chair is supported on the ground solely bythe wheels, the chair will roll along the ground. Further, since thewheels facilitate movement on the ground, should such a chair be bumpedwhile one is in the process of being seated in the chair, it is possiblefor the chair to move away a suflicient distance to cause the person tofall directly to the ground with consequent injury.

Additionally, these heretofore used chairs when folded have usuallypresented a bulky configuration which in some instances, have beendifficult to transport and store.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide ice a loungechair of the back-rest type which is capable of being set in asubstantially horizontal position.

It is another object of the invention to support a backrest type loungechair at the ends When opened into a lay-flat position.

It is another object of the invention to space the top of the frame of aback-rest back portion from the plane of the occupant engaging surfaceof the back portion.

It is another object of the invention to provide a lounge chair of theback-rest type with a back portion having a rams horn profile.

It is another object of the invention to provide a lounge chair withwheels which retract upon unfolding to permit a secure support for thechair.

It is another object of the invention to provide a lounge chair whichcan be conveniently stored on a wall.

It is another object of the invention to provide a lounge chair whichcan be easily transported.

Briefly, the invention provides a lounge chair of the back-rest typehaving a seat portion and a back portion wherein the back portion iscapable of being pivoted into substantial horizontal alignment with theseat portion so as to assume a lay-flat position. The back portionincludes a frame having a back supporting surface and a curved endportion spaced from the seat portion of the chair which terminates in aplane spaced from the plane of the back support surface. The frame isconstructed in a generally inverted U-shape with a profile of a ramshorn. That is, the frame has a pair of spaced parallel members whichform the legs of the U-shaped frame and which are curved in a reversebend at one end and a cross bar which connects the curved ends of theparallel members together into a rigid stucture. The legs have straightportions to which the opposite ends of the back support surface aresecured. Due to the shape of the ends of the parallel members, the crossbar is disposed out of the plane of the parallel members and,consequently, out of the plane of the back support surface securedbetween the straight portions of the parallel members.

In addition, the frame of the back portion has a stilfening rod disopsedbetween opposite points on the bent portions of the parallel members tofurther stiffen the frame against bending or buckling.

The back portion of the chair is secured to the seat portion in a mannerso as to be oriented in a plurality of reclining positions, one of whichis a lay-fiat position. When in this lay-flat position, the back portionis in substantial alignment with the seat portion which is supported inthe usual fashion at two spaced points on a ground surface while thecross bar of the frame of the back portion rests on the ground surfacebeneath the chair at a third point. The chair thus is supported at theends as well as the middle so as to more easily support and distributean occupants weight. When the back portion is raised into the upper restpositions, the cross bar of the back portion frame serves as aconvenient support rail for such paraphernalia as towels, articles ofclothing, etc. The cross bar can also be used to facilitate the hangingof the folded chair from a fence, such as found around a poolsite, andfrom a hook or spike for storage purposes.

The back-rest type chair is also provided with a pouch which is securedto the upper end of the back support in a hinged manner. The pouch issecured so as to be positioned in one of the two positions. In oneposition, the pouch serves as a pillow on the back support, for example,when a towel is placed inside. In the other position, the pouch is slungover the cross bar of the back portion frame.

The chair is provided with a pair of wheels such that, when folded, thechair can be transported via the wheels by grasping the cross bar of theback portion frame and either pulling or pushing the folded chair in thesense of a cart. In order to facilitate pulling of the foided frame, ahandle strap is fixed to the cross bar. The Wheels are mounted on thechair such that when the chair unfolded and set on the ground, thewheels are retracted to be disposed away from the ground. The chair isthus free of any danger of the chair rolling on the ground by Way of therollers during tipping of the chair by an occupant or during the seatingof a person in the chair.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become moreapparent from the folowing detailed description and appended claimstaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a back-rest typechair of theinvention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a profile of the chair of FIG. 1 when folded;

FIG. 3 illustrates a profile of the chair of FIG. 1 when in a positionof use;

FIG. 4 illustrates a profile of the chair of FIG. 1 when in the lay-flatposition;

FIG. 5 illustrates a fragmentary exploded view of the pouch and the backsupport according to the invention; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a view taken on line 6-6 of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the foldable back rest type chair It]- has aseat portion 11 and a back portion 12 which are articulated together soas to be foldable towards each other into a generally flattenedconfiguration when not in use (FIG. 2). The seat portion 11 has a pairof leg assemblies 13, 14, each of which is constructed of a pair ofU-shaped frames which are pivotally connected independently of eachother in a suitable mount 15 of known construction. The forward legassembly 13 is also provided with a pair of stiffening members 16 acrossthe members forming the corners of the assembly. The leg assemblies 13,14 are sized with respect to each other so that when the chair 10 is inan opened rest position, the cross bar of each leg assembly supports thechair It: at two spaced points on a ground surface 17 (FIG. 3). Inaddition to the leg assemblies 13, '14, the seat portion 11 has a seatframe 18 which is pivotally mounted between the legs of the forward legassembly 13 and articulated to the rear leg assembly 14 in a knownmanner. The seat portion 11 also has a strip of seat material 19 securedin a known manner across the seat frame 18 to receive an occupant.

The back portion 12 has a back frame 2G which is generally of a U-shapein front view and of an inverted I- shape in profile. That is, the frame20 has a pair of spaced parallel members 21 pivotally connected to theseat frame 18 and a cross bar 22 connecting the ends of the members 21.Further, the members 21 have straight portions extending away from thepoints of connection to the seat frame 18 and curved portions at theoutermost ends, the curved portions being in the shape at a rams horn.In addition, the back portion 12 has a strip of back supporting material23 secured in known manner between the straight portions of the members21. Due to the curvature of the ends of the members 21, the cross bar 22of the frame 20 is spaced out of the plane of the straight portions ofthe members 21 and the strip of back supporting material 23. Astijfening rod 24 is also secured between the members 21 within thecurved end portions out of the plane of the straight portions in orderto resist bending or buckling of the members 21.

The chair 10 also has a pair of arm rests 25 which are secured betweenthe seat portion 11 and back portion '12. Each arm rest 25 is pivotallysecured to the outside of the back frame 20 and slidably secured in themount 15. In addition, the underside of each arm rest 25 is provided ina known manner with a series of aligned holes or notches (not shown) forreceiving the upper portion of the mount 15 so as to lock the arm rest25 with respect to the seat portion 11. A suitable guide (not shown) isalso provided to retain the mount in alignment with the holes in therest arm underside. The holes of the arm rests 25 are spaced so that therest arms can be slid relative to the mounts 15 of the seat portion 11in order to allow pivoting of the back portion 12 relative to the seatportion 11. The back portion '12 can thus take up a number of restpositions corresponding to the number of pairs of opposite holes in thearm rests.

Referring to FIG. 4, when the 'back portion is pivoted into theoutermost rest position via the arm rests 25 and locked in place via themating of the mounts 15 in the arm rests, the back portion 12 is in alay-flat position. That is, the back portion 12 is in substantialalignment with the seat portion 11 such that both portions define asubstantially horizontal back rest surface. In this lay-fiat position,the cross bar 22 of the back frame 20 rests on the ground surface 17along with the cross bars of the leg asemblies 13, 14 of the seatportion. Thus, the weight of the chair 10 as well as the weight of anyoccupant resting on the chair are supported at the ends of the chair andat a central point. Due to the reverse curvature of the members 21 ofthe back frame 20 and the positioning of the cross bar within the planeof the chair (as viewed in FIG. 4), the loads imposed on the cross bar22 are transmitted in a manner whereby the cross bar 22 is restrainedfrom buckling or splaying outwardly of the chair.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, the strip of back supporting material 23has a pouch 26 fastened to the upper edge as by snap fasteners 27. Thepouch 26 is formed on one side with a zippered entrance 28 which facesthe strip of back supporting material 23 when the pouch 26 rests on thestrip 23: The entrance 28 permits a headrest 29 such as a pillow, afolded towel, etc. to be inserted into the pouch interior so as toprovide a comfortable surface for the resting of an occupants headthereon. Additionally, the pouch 26 can be provided with a pocket 30 onthe opposite side from the entrance 28 for receiving miscellaneousarticles such as cigarettes, comb, etc. As the pouch 26 is secured onlyalong one edge to the strip 23, when not in use, the pouch 26 can bedraped over the stiffening rod 24 of the back frame 20. Further, in viewof the type of fastening of the pouch 26 to the strip 23, the pouch 26can be readily removed and subsequently readily replaced. The pouch 26is preferably made of the same material as the strip 23, such as canvasor other suitable material, and of the same or other coloring andesthetic details.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the chair 10 is provided with a pair ofwheels 31 for permitting the chair, when folded, to be transported in acart-like manner. Each wheel 31 is of a size and rotatably mounted onthe end of an axle 32 secured across the seat frame 18 in a positionsuch that when the chair is unfolded (FIGS. 1 and 2) the wheels 31 areraised above the ground surface 17. However, when the chair 10 is folded(FIG. 3), the wheels 31 contact the ground surface 17 so as to permitthe cross bar 22 of the back frame 20 to act as a handle for pushing orpulling the chair from one place to an other. In order to furtherfacilitate transportation of the folded chair, a strap 33 is fixed tothe cross bar 22 of the back portion 12.

The invention thus provides a chair of the back-rest type which can beset into a plurality of rest positions including a substantiallyhorizontal lay-flat position to accommodate an occupant. Further, whenthe chair is in the lay-flat condition, the chair is supported not onlycentrally but also at each end so that the weight of an occupant doesnot place any undue stress on the chair.

The chair of the invention is further capable of being transported in aneasy manner when folded since the chair can be rolled along the groundon wheels while being grasped at an upper end.

Also, the chair, when folded, can be stored temporarily or permanentlyby simply hanging the chair over a fence, a boat rail, or a suitablehook arrangement.

Further, in view of the curved profile of the back frame which positionsthe cross bar and stiffening rod out of the plane of the back supportstrip, there is no encumbrance which can come into contact with anoccupants head or body when the occupant is in one of the rest positionsafforded by the chair. The chair thus provides a comfortable back rest.

It is noted that the various members of the chair can be made ofsuitable conventional materials, such as aluminum for the frame members,wood for the arm rests and canvas for the seat and back strips.

The invention also provides a chair which when unfolded into an occupantreceiving position causes a retraction of the transporting wheels sothat the chair securely rests on the ground without the transportingwheels touching the ground. The chair thereby avoidsthe danger of thechair moving on the wheels should an occupant tip the chair backwards oraccidently bump the chair when in the process of becoming seated in thechair.

What is claimed is:

1. A foldable chair of a back-rest type comprising:

a seat portion;

a back portion pivotally secured to said seat portion, said back portionincluding a frame having a back support surface and a curved end portionspaced from said seat portion, said end portion terminating in a planespaced from the plane of said back supporting surface; and

means for pivoting said back portion away from said seat portion into arest position having said back portion in substantially horizontalalignment with said seat portion with said end portion supporting oneend of said back portion on a ground surface when in said rest position.

2. A foldable chair as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means includesa pair of arm rests, each said arm rest being pivotally secured to saidback portion and slidably secured to said seat portion.

3. A foldable chair as set forth in claim 1 wherein said seat portionincludes a pair of leg assemblies for supporting said seat portion on aground surface whereby one of said leg assemblies and said end portionof said back portion supports the chair at the ends thereof when in saidrest position.

4. A foldable chair as set forth in claim 1 wherein said curved endportion is in the shape of a rams horn.

5. A foldable backrest type chair comprising a seat portion;

a back portion pivotally secured at one end to said seat portion, saidback portion including an inverted generally U-shaped frame of J-shapedprofile, said frame having a pair of spaced parallel members havingstraight portions and curved end portions spaced from said seat portionand a cross bar connecting said end portions together, said cross barbeing spaced from the plane of said parallel members; and

means for pivoting said back portion relative to said seat portionwhereby when said back portion and said seat portion are insubstantially horizontal alignment in a rest portion said curved endportions and said cross bar support one end of said back portion on aground surface.

6. A foldable chair as set forth in claim 5 which further comprises apouch secured to the upper edge of said strip, said pouch having anentrance on one side thereof for passage of a headrest means into saidpouch, and a pocket on an opposite side thereof.

7. A foldable backrest type chair as set forth in claim 5 wherein saidback portion further includes a strip of back supporting materialsecured to said spaced parallel members and extending across said backportion.

8. A foldable backrest type chair as set forth in claim 7 wehrein saidseat portion includes a pair of articulated leg assemblies forsupporting said seat portion on a ground surface and a seat frameconnected between said leg assemblies and wherein said back portion ispivoted away from said seat portion to substantially align said strip ofback supporting material with said seat frame and to bring said crossbar into contact with the ground surface.

9. A foldable backrest type chair as set forth in claim 5 wherein saidmeans includes a pair of arm rests, each said arm rest being pivotallysecured to one of said parallel members and slidably mounted in saidseat portion for moving said back portion into a plurality of restpositions.

10. A foldable backrest type chair comprising:

a seat portion;

a back portion pivotally secured at one end to said seat portion, saidback portion including an inverted generally U-shaped frame of J-shapedprofile, said fame having a pair of spaced parallel members havingstraight portions and curved end portions spaced from said seat portionand a cross bar connecting said end portions together, said cross barbeing spaced from the plane of said parallel members;

means for pivoting said back portion relative to said seat portion; and

a pair of wheels rotatably mounted on said seat portion, said wheelsbeing selectively disposed in at least two positions, in one of saidpositions said wheels project out of the plane of said seat portion forcontacting a ground surface and in another of said positions said wheelsare contained in the plane of said seat portions out of contact with theground surface.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 782,930 2/1905 Thompson 29716 XR1,398,253 11/1921 Blando 297l7 1,782,763 11/1930 Overbey 29738 2,651,3529/1953 Beardsley 29719 3,137,511 6/1944 Weil et a1. 29719 XR FOREIGNPATENTS 595,411 7/1925 France.

DONALD A. GRIFFIN, Primary Examiner

